Catriona Laing, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has urged the Nigerian government to stick to the road of democratisation for Nigeria's socioeconomic progress.
In an address at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja for the third ministerial performance review retreat, Laing made this assertion, according to a release from the British High Commission there.
The retreat is the centrepiece governance programme for the UK in Nigeria and is sponsored by the Partnership to Engage, Reform, and Learn (PERL) initiative. The UK is collaborating with the Federal Government of Nigeria and civil society organisations in Nigeria through this programme to enhance accountability and efficient use of public resources.
The High Commissioner in her speech reflected on three important issues – Consolidating Democracy, Economic Resilience and Institutionalising a Culture of Accountability.
Speaking on Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and the opportunity it presents to entrench democratic principles of inclusion and equality, Laing said “At a time when some countries in West Africa are experiencing democratic regression and illegal removal of elected governments, I commend President Buhari for his commitment at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly to leave a legacy of free-and-fair elections in Nigeria.
“Nigeria must remain on the path of democratic consolidation because democracy matters greatly to the world. And democracy matters for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.”
On Nigeria’s economic resilience, she said “Nigeria’s economy is more resilient than most. But this global context has exacerbated Nigeria’s challenges even though it is a net exporter of oil and gas. Nigeria stands to benefit from taking difficult and brave decisions, which can free up fiscal space for its infrastructure and development priorities, unlock investment that will create better jobs in agriculture and the digital sector, and help realise Nigeria’s energy transition goals.”
Commending the Nigerian government for prioritising the Ministerial Performance retreat, she said “Performance Management Systems enable accountability and better delivery of essential services. These are necessary for building trust and social contract between the government and its citizens. I am pleased that the UK government is working with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to institutionalise accountability through our Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) programme.”
The High Commissioner ended her goodwill message by reiterating the strong partnership between Nigeria and the UK and the UK’s commitment to a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.